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January 17, 2007

Blood, sweat and new guitar strings

As I was listening to the many tunes of the Inland Empire, to judge who would be awarded at this year’s Inland Empire Music Awards, I only recognized one band. A great band indeed, I was happy that Redlands band All Marbles submitted their work, but sad that of all the many bands I have come across during my time as the Facts’ music liaison, that only one band would take the time to mail in a couple of songs.
Now, I’m not chastising anyone, I’m just a bit disappointed. The artists that submitted their work to be judged were all phenomenal musicians, but many of the Redlands, Riverside, Yucaipa, Mentone and other bands in the area could rival the work of those who continue to win awards, just by sending in a few tunes for submission.
Maybe awards are not necessary for east valley bands, an accessory that may not seem all too important. But I stress the easy submission process and the greatness of the bands I have met because award shows are another form of exposure.
I know bands in Redlands that should be performing at the IEMAs, that should be competing in the Live Performance category and should be interviewed by arts journalists throughout the Inland Empire.
On the one hand, there are bands that I have followed, that I wish I could have seen when they were not nearly as recognized. To see Ani Difranco in a coffee shop rather than a convention center would be ideal, but as a fan I have to think of the success of the band.
No, I don’t like it when everyone and their mother is singing along to Death Cab for Cutie songs when they have no idea who the band is or what they are about. But I still support Death Cab because they are now able to make a living doing what they love.
I could only hope for the same with the many bands of the Inland Empire. Bands that have “made it� are one in a dozen. But all a band needs is an edge, some stamina, talent (of course), and a few awards for their music wouldn’t hurt.
For those of you who will continue to play at local coffee shops and bars, you have my full support, I will be there, camera in hand. And for those of you who are more inclined to the life of a traveling musician, I only hope that I can still afford to go to your concerts, but I will still be there if I can.

Posted by Darcie Flansburg at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)

January 09, 2007

Local bands compete for Best Live Performance award

Bands competing for the Best Live Performance for this year’s Inland Empire Music Awards performed Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Vibe Bar and Grill on University Avenue in Riverside.
The set list included Inland Empire bands Souljourners, Groove Session, Veer Chasm, Soul of the River, Top Shelf, Wayside Loop, Casket Salesmen and The Dialectics. Each band was given 30 minutes to perform, creating an eclectic set of music all afternoon.
As the first band, Souljourners of Temecula livened up the bar around 1 p.m. with music that was well influenced by some of rock and roll’s greatest names.
Lead singer and guitarist Michael Couts brought an Eddie Vetter quality to his vocals, singing along with the sounds of David Brockenborough on bass, Chandler Taylor on drums, and Paul Ellingson on keyboard.
What was even more impressive about this band is that they are still in high school but did not emit the amateur quality that is inherent in many young bands.
Souljourners won the Best High School Band at last year’s IEMAs and are nominated for the award again this year.
Ontario-based band Groove Session brought a funky, instrumental vibe to the bar Saturday, playing some original tunes as well as throwing in an impressive Herbie Hancock cover.
Drummer Manny Sanchez was the only musician to speak on stage during Groove Session’s performance, allowing Daniel Delgado’s trumpet to sing the vocals. Bassist Ronnie Sanchez and guitarist Greg Lesondak helped the continual Groove Session to flow for the entire half hour.
Though improvisation was prevalent during the band’s live jam, Groove Session’s material was very tight. Rhythm changes and sound variation prevailed throughout the performance.
The band has been nominated for an award for Best Jazz.
Judging for the competition was based on musicianship, song variety, audience interaction and crowd response. Riverside band Veer Chasm definitely lacked the latter.
In a live performance setting the audience is a key component and Veer Chasm obviously forgot to tell their friends about the gig.
Band members Joel Dalangin on guitar and vocals, Zxsa on bass and Russ Simms on drums were obviously capable musicians, but needed some audience interaction. The band also had little song variety, which made the entire performance quite monotone.
Veer Chasm has been nominated for an award for Best Alternative.
Family and friends of the band Soul of the River came out to support the band, singing along and cheering.
Guitarist Brett Dawson, bassist Steve Hansen and drummer Rene Felix showed their musical influences from such bands as Sublime, Cake and Jack Johnson.
The band had a garage band feel that brought diversity to the competition.
Reggae band Top Shelf covered the stage with performance quality and fun instruments.
The band includes lead singer and guitarist Nathan Short, bassist Bryan Moore, drummer James Morier and a saxophonist named Monk.
Though the band’s sound echoed the usual reggae beat, they appeared to have fun with their tunes and even more fun with the audience.
Top Shelf has been nominated for an award for Best Alternative.
Hemet-based band Wayside Loop had the audience moving and head banging to their hard-core rock sound.
Band members Christopher Pendergrass on vocals and percussion, guitarist Nick Cherry, bassist Tony Mora and drummer Garrett Spates presented a tight performance that would entice even the non-hard rock fan.
Pendergrass had a very engaging presence that seemed to invite audience members to get closer, get loose and get dancing.
Last year the band was nominated for Best Hard Rock and Best Live Performance at the IEMAs. This year Wayside Loop has been nominated for an award for Best Hard Rock.
Frontman Phil Pirrone of Corona-based band Casket Salesmen put long hair back in style as he thrashed his long brown locks to music strongly influenced by Pink Floyd, Queens of the Stoneage and My Morning Jacket.
Pirrone was joined by band members Nathan Lindeman on guitar, JJ Gumiran on bass, Ryan Knights on drums and Anthony Alagna on keyboard, who are also members of bands Auditory Aphasia and Mythmaker.
Pirrone’s stage presence and performance quality was well carried by the sounds of his peers, but in terms of song variety, many of the Casket Salesmen tunes were fairly monotonous.
Casket Salesmen has been nominated for an award for Best Song for their tune “I’ll Buy That for a Dollar,� as well as Best Indie Rock.
The Dialectic’s frontman Nolan Yard brought a similar passion to his vocals as Pirrone, carrying the beats of band members John Paul Trotter on guitar, Sean Hernandez on guitar, Nick Maury on bass and Victor Pintado on drums.
Yard brought a Maroon 5 quality to the bands sound, belting out his lyrics with great verve.
The band recently won the Los Angeles County Fair College Battle of the Bands.
The Dialectics have been nominated for an award for Best Song for their tune “Consolation� and also Best Rock.
As a judge for the Inland Empire Music Awards, I cannot say who was favored, but I can say that the competition was stiff.
Of the eight bands that competed Saturday, five were chosen as nominees and one will win the Best Live Performance award.
According to founder and producer of the Inland Empire Music Awards, the nominees for Best Live Performance are — Wayside Loop, Groove Session, Soul of the River, Souljourners and Top Shelf.
The winner will be announced at the award show Friday, Jan. 26, at the Keyclub Morongo, 49500 Seminole Dr., Cabazon.
For tickets to the show contact Founder/Producer Martin Brown at inlandempirema@aol.com.
Information: www.ieweekly.com/iemusicawards.htm

Posted by Darcie Flansburg at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)